SHAFTESBURY-based musician Karen Wimhurst will be joining her Pagoda Project partners, accordionist Paul Hutchinson and fiddler and vocalist Hannah Cumming, for two performances on home turf on 19th and 20th November. They will be at Ilminster’s newest arts centre, the Millhouse, on Thursday at 8pm, and at Mere United Reformed Church on Friday at 7pm.
Pagoda Project started in 2015 with Paul, best known for his work with Belshazzar’s Feast, and clarinettist Karen, who is also a composer and choir leader. They joined up with Hannah Cumming, whose folk-infused vocals have brought a new dimension to the ensemble.
Described as “inspired by the folk traditions of the UK, music and song cut through with experimentation, boldness, humour and risk.” Their performances mix ethereal and gutsy arrangements, traditional 16th-century Playford tunes, and spontaneous on-stage chemistry.